]]>http://plushcatering.com/robert-ryans-puerto-vallarta-wedding/feed/011 Ways That Mexico Can Inspire Your Destination Weddinghttp://plushcatering.com/11-ways-that-mexico-can-inspire-your-destination-wedding/
http://plushcatering.com/11-ways-that-mexico-can-inspire-your-destination-wedding/#commentsFri, 10 Oct 2014 20:15:25 +0000adminhttp://plushcatering.com/?p=1505So you are planning your destination wedding in Mexico. Congratulations, you have chosen a country with dozens of cities and towns that are beautiful back drops for your wedding day whether it be on the beach, in the mountains, a historical town or large city. There must be something special that drew you and your [...]

]]>So you are planning your destination wedding in Mexico. Congratulations, you have chosen a country with dozens of cities and towns that are beautiful back drops for your wedding day whether it be on the beach, in the mountains, a historical town or large city. There must be something special that drew you and your fiance to this country in particular, so why not let it inspire your actual wedding day? We have compiled a list of ways that you can let Mexico inspire your destination wedding that are far more interesting (and less stereotypical) than Margaritas and Sombreros!

1) Alcohol

You can be sure that guests will expect to be offered tequila at some point during your celebrations. Now we aren’t suggesting that you deprive them of the margarita that they have been craving since they received your wedding invitation but why not give them something that they don’t expect? Mezcal is another Mexican alcohol made from Agave that has been rising in popularity by leaps and bounds in the last couple of years and can now be found in trendy restaurants all over the US and Canada as well as Mexico. Mezcal can be mixed into fruity cocktails or sipped from the traditional candle holder- yes, like the little glass cylinders that are home to your tea lights and votives! If you don’t think that your guests will jump to order Mezcal from the bar try offering it in one of your Signature Cocktails or set up a Mezcal tasting table. Don’t forget the orange slices that Mezcal’s smokey flavor calls for instead of the lime that you serve with tequila!

We bet that you are thinking guacamole and salsa with tortilla chips. There is no reason not to include your favorite Mexican foods during your wedding celebration but try serving them at your rehearsal dinner if it will be more casual than your main event. For your wedding day switch things up to include some traditional Mexican ingredients or dishes that are a little more elegant and have your guests try something new. Some of our favorites are Agave, Huitlacoche, Flor de Calabaza and Achiote. Our Tacos Huitlacoche hors d’oeuvres are colorful little bites topped with Crunchy Pickled Vegetables that you wouldn’t dare compare to the local taco stand. We marinate our Sea Bass entree in Achiote (along with Miso and Orange juice) which gives it amazing color and a slight peppery flavor.

If you picture a Mexican town in your head there is no doubt that you see a range of colors. Mexico has always been known for bright, bold colors which you can see everywhere from store fronts to clothing. If you had a classic rose and gold soirée in mind then this suggestion isn’t for you but if you are up for adding some classic Mexican colors to your wedding day it will feel even more festive. Think bright flowers or traditionally painted decor seen in these photos.

Mexico’s colors are memorable there is no doubt about that but so are some of our traditional patterns. Even if you don’t want to have your wedding in full color you can add in some talavera plates in blue and white, painted clay details like these for cocktail hour or patterned accent pillows or table runners.

Whether or not you or your fiance have Mexican routes you can adopt a Mexican wedding ceremony tradition or two without your guests thinking that you’ve made a turn for the weird. Many cultures have a ceremony tradition similar to the Mexican Lasso so it could be the perfect way to blend some Mexican inspiration into your big day. The lasso is typically purchased by a set of “padrinos” similar to brides maids and groomsmen and then placed on the couples shoulders during the ceremony to signify unity. Or let your arch or hoopah take on a Mexican feel like this custom made beauty with Papel Picado sides and hand painted glass detail.

Everyones idea of wedding entertainment is different but if you like the idea of a performance that your guests can watch at some point during the festivities this might be for you. A traditional dance performance by a local dance troop is beautiful, interesting and can keep your guests entertained while the musicians take a break or they wait for dinner to be served. We highly recommend the local Grupo Folklorico Vallarta Azteca. As an added bonus you can take photos with the troop after they perform, now that is a great souvenir!

Have you heard of Mariachi? If you are planning a destination wedding in Mexico we bet that you have! Mariachi groups are traditional at Mexican weddings and hired fairly frequently to liven up destination affairs as well. Their uniforms and unique sound can bring just the right amount of Mexico to your cocktail hour. If you are looking to use them in a more traditional manner then try hiring them for the last hour of your reception instead of having them kick off right after your ceremony. In Mexico we know that the party is almost over when the mariachi arrive and it’s a great way to end your celebration with a bang!

You are probably thinking about the beach right now which, to be honest, is where many of the weddings in the bay plan take place. However, there are many gorgeous locations that lend more to old Mexico that could be right for your wedding day. Check out local Haciendas. These buildings used to be enormous homes owned by weathly individuals but many of them have been since turned into hotels or villas where you can hold your ceremony and host your guests. The beauty of the structures alone allows you to save on decoration and they make perfect backdrops for your photo session.

If you are planning a Mexican inspired getaway for your guests and prefer to leave the ideas above out of your actual wedding day we have another suggestion for you. Photo booth props! Buy some sombreros and maracas that you can place out of the way in the photo booth where they won’t mix with the decor that doesn’t match with them. We can pretty much guarantee that your friends and family will have a blast taking silly photos with inexpensive ítems that you can find in a local market or shop.

You have probably come across those adorable little tequila bottles as gifts if you spend time looking at destion weddings online but there are tons of other fun gifts that you can give your guests that aren’t quite that typical. How about milagros from San Miguel de Allende, blown glass shot glasses from Tonala or custom made maracas?

Last but not least- dessert! You can serve up some sweet Mexican favorites that your guests might even know from home like Paletas which are posicles made from fresh fruit, raspados which are like snow cones or churros, which are by far our most popular late night snack, served with chocolate and cajeta sauces.

]]>http://plushcatering.com/melissa-paul-may-2013/feed/0Plush Teams up with The Dazzling Details for Event Showcase for Wedding Professionals at Casa La Villitahttp://plushcatering.com/plush-teams-up-with-the-dazzling-details-for-event-showcase-for-wedding-professionals/
http://plushcatering.com/plush-teams-up-with-the-dazzling-details-for-event-showcase-for-wedding-professionals/#commentsThu, 11 Sep 2014 18:52:29 +0000adminhttp://plushcatering.com/?p=1456Better late than never right? Well we’ve been meaning to share this event with you for a while! On June 26th, 2013 Plush Catering & Events teamed up with Unique Rentals and Dazzling Blooms (of The Dazzling Details) to put on a showcase event for wedding professionals in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. Wedding planners [...]

]]>Better late than never right? Well we’ve been meaning to share this event with you for a while!

On June 26th, 2013 Plush Catering & Events teamed up with Unique Rentals and Dazzling Blooms (of The Dazzling Details) to put on a showcase event for wedding professionals in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. Wedding planners and event professionals were greeted at beautiful Casa La Villita with cold cocktails and invited to mingle, munch and catch up with each other as they made their way through inspirational sets ups complete with themed menus.

Two of our favorite Signature Cocktails were served from a Unique Rentals bar as guests arrived

We prepared a three brand new hors d’oeuvres for the occasion

Feta & Watermelon Salad Bites

“Al Pastor” Shrimp Satays with Pineapple and Chimichurri

Caprese Skewers with Fresh Mozzarella, Basil and Balsamic

As well as some old favorites with new presentation

Tuna Tartar with Avocado and Three Chile Vinaigrette- In Wonton Cones

Mahi Mahi Ceviche with Pineapple and Ginger- On Asian Spoons

Dazzling Blooms gorgeous centerpieces were arranged on Unique Rentals tables complete with eye catching accents that we know The Dazzling Details for. Details included a Chandelier suspended from the ceiling, the “Cheers” sign that puts everyone in the mood to toast, table runners, napkins and linens that you won’t see anywhere else!

Don’t forget that Unique Rentals signs and bars are available for rent when you hire Plush Catering for your event!

Thank you to everyone who was a part of this successful event for wedding professionals in Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit
Flowers by Dazzling Blooms, Rentals by Unique Rentals and Details all provided by The Dazzling Details
Photography provided by Soko Sandoval
Location provided by Casa La Villita
Food and Beverage provided by Plush Catering & Events

]]>http://plushcatering.com/plush-teams-up-with-the-dazzling-details-for-event-showcase-for-wedding-professionals/feed/0The 5 Best Private Villas for Weddings in Puerto Vallartahttp://plushcatering.com/the-5-best-private-villas-for-weddings-in-puerto-vallarta/
http://plushcatering.com/the-5-best-private-villas-for-weddings-in-puerto-vallarta/#commentsThu, 10 Jul 2014 18:55:54 +0000adminhttp://plushcatering.com/?p=1442So you’re looking for a unique location for your destination wedding where you can celebrate this special occasion with all your family and friends in style. There is no better choice than Mexico and Puerto Vallarta…this city has made destination weddings an entire industry and offers the best venues for hosting the big day celebrations [...]

]]>So you’re looking for a unique location for your destination wedding where you can celebrate this special occasion with all your family and friends in style. There is no better choice than Mexico and Puerto Vallarta…this city has made destination weddings an entire industry and offers the best venues for hosting the big day celebrations and honeymoons.

But if you really want to make this day special and unique, why hold it at a resort or hotel where you’re sharing the space with other guests and strangers? To truly have a magical, exclusive, and one of a kind experience, there is no better venue than a private villa…and Puerto Vallarta has some incredible properties that are perfect for saying your “I do’s”.

Here are the top five private villas to consider in PV:

1. Villa Mandarinas – This incredible home cascades down in six gorgeous layers of exotic flora, craggy cliffs, and vibrant gardens. It offers some of the most amazing views in the bay but is pretty much hidden from the outside world. The original construction is over 15,000 sq ft, which is impressive, but Villa Mandarinas just expanded onto an adjacent property with a secondary pool and event space specifically designed for weddings. Every detail in this impressive estate was thoughtfully designed and masterfully crafted, which makes this venue perfect to make a wedding unique and memorable.

2. Villa Estrella Mar – With the Sierra Madres and the Pacific in the background, this estate cannot fall short on providing a beautiful wedding. It comes complete with beach access, an incredible pool surrounded by lush jungle, spacious terraces, luxurious bedroom suites, as well as a detached carriage house. Indoor or outdoor, any wedding held in this venue is sure to be infused with that famous Vallarta charm.

3. Villa Bahia – Everything in this venue screams sophistication. Teeming with a fusion of modern design, traditional Mexican décor, incredible art and luxurious features, guests’ jaws will drop as they walk through this incredible estate. It also has one of the most stunning views in the area, looking both down the south shore to untouched costal mountains and north to the incredible architecture of downtown Vallarta. One of the best options Puerto Vallarta has to offer, this exquisite wedding venue goes above and beyond what you expect of a Mexican destination wedding.

4. Villa Verano – Dubbed by Robin Leach himself as “Hollywood’s Best Kept Secret,” this famous and celebrated property is perched right on the beach between Conchas Chinas, the most exclusive neighborhood in the area, and downtown Zona Romantica, home to some of the best restaurants, shops and nightclubs that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Set on over 1.5 acres of lush tropical gardens, with 11 bedrooms and an additional 4 separate beach villas, this estate was made for events and weddings.

5. Villa Luna Creciente – This estate magnificently perches on a hillside along Puerto Vallarta’s south shore. It boasts spectacular views of Los Arcos from the various terraces and rooms. It also comes with a private man-made beach and an infinity-edged pool. This is a smaller villa with just 6 bedrooms so it would be perfect for someone looking to hold an intimate wedding where everything will feel luxurious and special, surrounded by excellent taste and natural beauty.

]]>http://plushcatering.com/the-5-best-private-villas-for-weddings-in-puerto-vallarta/feed/0Romantic Vallarta Wedding for Two!http://plushcatering.com/romantic-vallarta-wedding-for-two/
http://plushcatering.com/romantic-vallarta-wedding-for-two/#commentsThu, 24 Oct 2013 22:09:15 +0000adminhttp://plushcatering.com/?p=1293When we first heard from Melissa and Paul about their wedding plans they wanted a very intimate celebration for less than thirty guests. Melissa’s cousin owns gorgeous Casa Ileana which overlooks downtown Vallarta and is the perfect spot for such a wedding so the location was settled. They had also decided to have their ceremony [...]

]]>When we first heard from Melissa and Paul about their wedding plans they wanted a very intimate celebration for less than thirty guests. Melissa’s cousin owns gorgeous Casa Ileana which overlooks downtown Vallarta and is the perfect spot for such a wedding so the location was settled. They had also decided to have their ceremony at the iconic Our Lady of Guadalupe church so we set about discussing music, decor, flowers and of course, food!

Several months before the big day Melissa contacted us to say that it looked like they would be having their wedding back home after all as many of the small group of guests would not be able to make it down to Vallarta. Then we received an incredible romantic voice mail from the groom. Paul was determined to make his fiancée’s dream of having a beautiful destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta become a reality…without her knowing! So we set the plans back in motion with guidance from Paul who claims to be horrible at this kind of thing but was truly a fantastic groom-to-be.

We have planned, coordinated, and catered a lot of weddings but we have to say that this was hands down the most romantic. The circumstances, the locations, and the couple themselves made this day extra special.

The Ceremony
Melissa and Paul walked down the aisle together. Father Esteban performed their ceremony in English and asked two members of the congregation to sign as witnesses.

The Shoot
After the ceremony Soko took the bride and groom for some photos by the Rio Cuale.

The Most Romantic Celebration
Melissa and Paul arrived at the villa to their favorite drinks, a guitarist serenading them and hors d’oeuvres set up at a cocktail table for two. They danced to the music and then sat down to a custom four course dinner with champagne.

]]>http://plushcatering.com/romantic-vallarta-wedding-for-two/feed/0Daddy’s Little Girlhttp://plushcatering.com/daddys-little-girl/
http://plushcatering.com/daddys-little-girl/#commentsMon, 09 Jul 2012 18:10:41 +0000adminhttp://plushcatering.com/?p=1112I guess Father’s Day gets everyone feeling pretty nostalgic and sentimental about their dad and as a definite “daddy’s girl”, I’m no different. There’s just something special about the father/daughter relationship and it’s never more apparent than at a wedding. When you plan your wedding, Moms get to take center stage (for better or worse) [...]

]]>I guess Father’s Day gets everyone feeling pretty nostalgic and sentimental about their dad and as a definite “daddy’s girl”, I’m no different. There’s just something special about the father/daughter relationship and it’s never more apparent than at a wedding.

When you plan your wedding, Moms get to take center stage (for better or worse) helping with the wedding dress, giving her input and suggestions for the reception and throwing bridal showers and such. But when the wedding comes? Mother-of-the-bride takes a backseat to Father-of-the-bride every time.

Even if you manage to get though watching a proud father walk his daughter down the aisle without tearing up, unless you’re a serious ice princess, the father/daughter dance will get your mascara running for sure.

So why? Why are we so sentimental about our fathers? Maybe it’s because it’s such a unique relationship within our families. None of the jealously or competitiveness that happens with our siblings, and sometimes our moms, is present in our relationships with our dads. Or maybe it’s because no matter how old you get, you always still remain a little girl to your dad.

Whatever it is that makes your dad special to you, make sure to celebrate him this Father’s Day with a gesture, large or small, which lets him know you love him. And remember, neckties are never appropriate.

]]>http://plushcatering.com/daddys-little-girl/feed/1Lessons from my Grandma’s Kitchenhttp://plushcatering.com/lessons-from-my-grandmas-kitchen/
http://plushcatering.com/lessons-from-my-grandmas-kitchen/#commentsMon, 09 Jul 2012 18:06:53 +0000adminhttp://plushcatering.com/?p=1106When I was a little girl, both of my parents decided to return to university during summer session to complete their Masters degrees. So over three summers, I spent a lot of time with my “Nona”, which is what Italians call their grandmother. And those summers were spent in two places, her garden and her [...]

]]>When I was a little girl, both of my parents decided to return to university during summer session to complete their Masters degrees. So over three summers, I spent a lot of time with my “Nona”, which is what Italians call their grandmother. And those summers were spent in two places, her garden and her kitchen.

Now, as a grown woman with a shelf full of glossy cookbooks, a cable subscription to the Food Network and an addiction to at least three (ok, five) reality cooking competition shows, I still feel that the best cooking lessons I ever had were as a little girl in my Nona’s kitchen.

Nona was the original farm-to-table chef. Meats came from the corner butcher who had his farm 30 minutes from his shop. Eggs and poultry came from the neighbor three doors down who had a coop in her large backyard. Fruits and vegetables came from Nona’s own garden or, for the few things she didn’t grow herself, from the Saturday morning market. She only used in season and fresh ingredients and knowing that each year she only made her blueberry pie for six weeks made it taste even more special and delicious.

Because she used such fresh ingredients, the simplicity of Nona’s cooking was what made it so fantastic. She would make Caprese salad with olive oil and hand pulled fresh mozzarella from the Fiorini Italian Market along with basil from her herb garden and her own tomatoes still warm from the summer sun, with a tiny sprinkle of salt and pepper. The freshness and the simplicity made each flavor come alive and to this day, I’ve never made or tasted a Caprese salad that compares to hers.

The final lesson my Nona taught me? That having a glass of Pinot Grigio while cooking makes everyone a better chef. Thanks for that one especially, Nona!

]]>http://plushcatering.com/lessons-from-my-grandmas-kitchen/feed/0Authentically Mexican: The Cuisine of Jaliscohttp://plushcatering.com/authentically-mexican-the-cuisine-of-jalisco/
http://plushcatering.com/authentically-mexican-the-cuisine-of-jalisco/#commentsMon, 09 Jul 2012 17:59:01 +0000adminhttp://plushcatering.com/?p=1084I’ve always loved Mexican food so it was kind of surprising to move to Mexico and discover that I’d actually never really eaten it. The “authentic” Mexican restaurants I’d been to….I mean, the signs on the bathrooms said “Mujeres” and “Hombres” so it seemed pretty official….that served up massive burritos slathered with sour cream and [...]

]]>I’ve always loved Mexican food so it was kind of surprising to move to Mexico and discover that I’d actually never really eaten it. The “authentic” Mexican restaurants I’d been to….I mean, the signs on the bathrooms said “Mujeres” and “Hombres” so it seemed pretty official….that served up massive burritos slathered with sour cream and cheddar cheese are nowhere to be found in Mexico. But what I found instead was an amazing diverse and delicious cuisine, especially here in the state of Jalisco which is arguably one of the most traditional regions of Mexico.

What makes the food here so delicious is the abundance of fresh products. Produce, fish, shellfish, meat, cheeses and spices are all locally grown and harvested here. And when Spanish settlers came to the region they introduced wheat, olive oil, rice and wine (thank you, Spaniards!) to the Mexican diet. This fusion of cuisines and ingredients has made Mexican cuisine one of the most extensive and nuanced cuisines in the world.

One of my favorite meals in Puerto Vallarta that I’m pretty sure is never going to make it onto a Taco Bell menu anytime soon is the Jalisco specialty of pozole. Imagine a huge bowl filled with pork or sometimes chicken, hominy, and stock and topped with chopped onion, salsa, sliced radishes and chunky sea salt. Delicious!

Or birria tacos which are made from goat….yes, I said it…and marinated overnight in beer, chilies and other spices. I promise if you try one, you’ll order another.

If you’re feeling nervous about trying some new foods, especially now that I mentioned the goat, maybe get a little liquid courage by way of another specialty created right here in the state of Jalisco….tequila! It’s always a great accompaniment to the true cuisineof Mexico.